Florida is one of the most congested states in the country, so it should come as no surprise that car accidents are incredibly common here. In 2017, there were more than 397,000 reported car accidents across the state of Florida. That breaks down to approximately 45 accidents each hour of every day. While driving safely and using caution can help to reduce the risk of being in a crash, there is no guarantee that you will never be involved in a Florida car accident.
Were you recently injured in a car accident in Florida? Did the accident happen because another driver was negligent? If so, you may be entitled to compensation. Contact the Florida car accident attorneys at Lavent Law, P.A. to learn about the benefits of filing a personal injury claim for damages. We will aggressively pursue compensation on your behalf and make sure that you are fairly compensated for your accident-related injuries. The money you recover can go a long way in paying for medical bills, making up for lost wages, and compensating you for the emotional toll of your crash. Call us today for a free consultation.
Florida Car Accident Statistics
More than 20 million Americans call the state of Florida home. However, this does not accurately reflect how many people are in the state on any given day. Each year, Florida’s population balloons, thanks to snowbirds, vacationers, and a booming tourist economy. The result: jam-packed roads, neverending congestion, and unhappy drivers. Unfortunately, this creates the perfect opportunity for traffic accidents.
Reported Car Accidents
The number of car accidents in Florida has been steadily rising over the past few years:
- 2013: 317,363
- 2014: 344,579
- 2015: 374,797
- 2016: 395,895
- 2017: 397,940.
So far in 2018, there have been 122,462 accidents in Florida. This is approximately 30 percent of the total number of accidents in 2017. At this rate, 2018 will be the most dangerous year on record in Florida.
Fatal and Non-Fatal Car Accidents in Florida
Approximately half of all reported car accidents in Florida result in injury or death. Statistics show that accidents are not only happening more frequently, but are becoming more serious, as well:
- 2013: 211,157 Injuries; 2,403 Fatalities
- 2014: 225,780 Injuries; 2,499 Fatalities
- 2015: 243,531 Injuries; 2,941 Fatalities
- 2016: 254,197 Injuries; 3,176 Fatalities
- 2017: 252,058 Injuries; 3,015 Fatalities
Causes of Florida Car Accidents
Car accidents happen with great frequency across the state of Florida. Why? Research shows that while accidents can happen for a variety of reasons, certain causes are more commonly reported than others.
Distracted Driving: Drivers who fail to pay attention to their surroundings put themselves and others at risk of harm. Studies show that distracted driving practices have been on the rise over the past few years. The CDC reports that distracted driving is a contributing factor in 10 percent of all traffic accidents.
Speeding: Many of the roads in Florida, especially those in urban areas, are built to accommodate high-speed traffic. Drivers, eager to make up for lost time spent sitting in traffic, have no problem taking full advantage of these roads. Unfortunately, drivers who speed are less capable of controlling their vehicles safely. Statistics show that speed is a factor in more than a quarter of all fatal car accidents.
Driving Under the Influence: Many of Florida’s cities are hot spots for nightclubs, resorts, and other attractions where drugs and alcohol are popular. Statistics show that too many drivers are partying and getting behind the wheel. In 2016, there were 5,223 alcohol-related crashes in Florida, 417 of which were fatal.
Dangerous Road Conditions: While Florida has made efforts to tend to roads that are in disrepair, dangerous road conditions still threaten the safety of some Florida drivers. Flooding, cracks, potholes, uneven surfaces, and foreign objects can make it difficult for drivers to be safe.
Bicyclists and Pedestrians: Drivers in Florida are not unaccustomed to sharing the road with bicyclists and pedestrians. Given Florida’s beautiful weather and climate, it is no surprise that many choose to get fresh air and exercise by biking and walking. Unfortunately, bicyclists and pedestrians often fail to understand that drivers are not the only ones who must use caution. Negligent cyclists and distracted pedestrians have become increasingly problematic over the past few years.
Common Car Accident Injuries
Approximately 50 percent of all car accidents in Florida will result in some sort of bodily injury. Some of these injuries may be relatively minor (e.g., bruising and lacerations), while others will threaten your life and future. For years, the attorneys at Lavent Law, P.A., have helped Florida car accident victims recover compensation for a wide range of injuries, including:
- Whiplash
- Concussion
- Bruising
- Eye injury
- Chest injury
- Traumatic brain injury
- Spinal cord damage
- Degloving injury
- Amputation
- Catastrophic injury, including paralysis, and
- Wrongful death.
Have you been injured in a Florida car accident? Do not hesitate to contact the attorneys at Lavent Law, P.A. for help. We know that the time following an accident can be overwhelming and will fight to get you the money you deserve.
Time Limit for Florida Car Accident Claims
If you suffer an injury in a Florida car accident you have the right to demand compensation from the person who caused your injuries. However, Florida law limits the amount of time in which you can file a claim. A clock will begin to run the moment you are injured in your accident. This clock, which is known as the statute of limitations, will continue to run for four years. If you do not file your claim before time runs out you will not be able to recover the compensation you deserve.
There are limited exceptions to this rule. In some cases, the time in which you have to file a claim may be extended. In others, you may have less time to start your legal proceeding. You can make sure that your claim is filed on time by speaking with an experienced Florida car accident attorney immediately after your accident. Call Lavent Law, P.A. today to speak with one of our skilled Florida car accident attorneys.
Why Should I File a Florida Car Accident Lawsuit?
Car accidents are expensive. In fact, in 2013 the average bodily injury claim following a car accident was more than $15,400. If you suffer an injury that requires extensive medical treatment, forces you to miss time at work, and/or results in a disability, the cost will be significantly higher. The reality is that most of us do not have enough money saved away to cover the costs of an accident. Filing a personal injury claim for damages can allow you to recover the money you need to get better after your accident and injury.
In Florida, car accident victims may be entitled to recover economic and non-economic damages to compensate for:
- Medical bills (including travel expenses)
- Rehabilitation
- Medication
- Nursing care
- Property damage
- Disability
- Reduced or lost income
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Disfigurement
- Loss of sexual relations, and
- Loss of enjoyment of life.
Call Florida Car Accident Attorney Boris Lavent Today
Have you been injured in a Florida car accident? Are you thinking about taking legal action against the person who caused your injuries? Personal injury claims can be time-consuming and complicated, and are best handled by an attorney who is familiar with Florida car accident law. Contact the Florida car accident attorneys at Lavent Law, P.A. to learn about how we can help you recover compensation after your accident. We know how difficult the time after an accident can be and will fight to make sure that you are fairly compensated for your injuries.
Remember, you have a limited amount of time to demand compensation after your accident, so it is important to act quickly. We offer a free consultation, so do not hesitate to call us today.